Operatives of the Nigeria police has today, fired tear gas at peaceful protesters in the Maitama area of Abuja, as demonstrators took to the streets to demand urgent government action on worsening economic conditions, rising repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.
According to reports, the protest, which was part of a nationwide demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations, coincided with the National Police Day celebrations held at the Eagle Square.
Police had earlier placed a blockade around the Three Arms Zone, where top police officials were expected to attend the ceremony honoring the service of the Nigeria Police Force.
The demonstrators, including human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore; carried placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe”.
The protest is aimed at drawing attention to what the organizers described as a growing wave of authoritarianism under the President Bola Tinubu administration.
National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, who led the mobilisation, highlighted the key issues fueling the protest.
They included soaring inflation, nationwide insecurity, and the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.
At the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command, today, fired teargas at protesters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The protesters had converged at the Isaac Boro Park when the officers stormed the area.
The protest was also organized by the Take It Back Movement over the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Members of the organization were greeted by heavy police presence when they gathered at the protest venue as early as 9:00 am today.
“Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” Channels TV reported young demonstrators shouting at policemen.
The Nigeria Police Force had advised the organizers to shelve their plans.
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